U21's vs. Wolves (H) Mon 24th Sept - Match Report

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Middlesbrough took on Wolves in one of only a handful of U21 games to beat the weather today. Despite sideways rain and forceful winds the pitch was in very good condition but the weather wasn’t going to help towards a free flowing game of football.

Middlesbrough took the lead early on in front of a handful of brave souls who defied the conditions to watch the match. Captain Matthew Dolan swung a corner in with his left foot and got plenty of air on the ball. Edge Okosieme attempted to head it on but both he and the goal keeper missed the ball in the wind and with a bounce the ball went over the man on the line and into the net in rather bizarre fashion.

GOAL BORO – Dolan 1-0

Both sides tried hard to keep the ball down but on many an occasion when trying to play a through pass the ball shot through and went out of touch. Boro Keeper James Montgomery had to be on his toes making an early save to his left after weak home side defending gave possession away.

Middlesbrough should have doubled their lead when good work from Jake Fowler led to a cross into the danger area, unfortunately a full stretch Charlie Wyke just couldn’t direct the ball enough and put it wide.

Neither side were really creating much, the ball swirling in the air caught the visiting keeper out but it was cleared, centre half’s from both sides struggled when the ball was in the air.

Wolves found their way back into the game on the stroke of halftime, they got the ball in on the right past a sliding Burgess, both Okosieme and Montgomery watched as the ball went past both giving Liam McAlinden a tap in.

GOAL WOLVES – McAlinden 1-1

Half time – Middlesbrough 1 Wolves 1

Wolves started the second half running, pushing Middlesbrough back with high balls that held up in the wind allowing forwards to run onto it and causing the defenders to look nervy and un-composed.

In unfortunate circumstances the visitors took the lead, as a high ball came in Kyle Oliver tried to head the ball wide for a corner but it moved in the air with the wind and he headed past Montgomery who could do nothing.

GOAL WOLVES – Own Goal – Kyle Oliver 1-2

James Montgomery was instantly called into action to stop Wolves from extending their lead, he came out when faces with a one-on-one situation and stood big before bravely saving at the feet of the Wolves forward.

Boro could have drew level seconds later when a left wing Ryan Brobbel cross held up enough for Charlie Wyke to get his head onto it but it went over Aljaz Cotman’s goal.

The home side were left to rue that though as Wolves went up the other end, Okosieme struggled with the ball in the air and Wolves were in, Montgomery was quickly out and saved well, but the visitors were first to the rebound striking it off the Boro upright before it rolled across the goal and Sam Winnall tapped in from a yard out.

GOAL WOLVES – Winnall 1-3

It was three goals in 8 minutes when Wolves scored their fourth. Montgomery was out to block at the edge of his box, the ball went straight to Wolves though and they moved the ball left and Sam Whittall struck the ball past the back peddling Montgomery into the corner of the net.

Boro pushed forward trying to get back in the game and nearly did so when a corner was headed in the direction of the goal by Matty Dolan, defender Christian Burgess found himself on the end of it but could only dir3ect his shot into the side netting.

Boro Sub – Kneeshaw off, Edwards on. Brobbel off, Waters on.

Chances were at a premium for the home side, a Curtis Edwards deep cross missed everyone and had the Wolves keeper worried as it curled wide of the far post. The nearest Boro came to a consolation goal was a Matty Dolan free kick. Young full back Andre Bennett was brought down on the right edge of the box and Dolan struck the free kick with venom but saw it smash off the bar and come back out.

With the weather how it was I’m not sure the game should really have gone ahead, there was standing water in places at the game end and the wind and rain was as anti football as you could get!

Captain Dolan rather fortuitous when his in swinging corner bounced in, but another strong performance under the watchful eye of club manager Tony Mowbray won’t have gone unnoticed. Always moving the ball and never letting the opposition settle. Unlucky late on with a great free kick.

Thank you as always for the info. When you say there are 2 lists of 8 or 9 players. Does that mean we are looking to sign 8 or 9 new players? Probs make sense if 5 out the 7 out of contract players are leaving along with a handful of loan players.

Whilst the noises from inside suggest Ayala will play I still dont see it... Leeds have stepped up there interest along with Fulham and Crystal Palace. Gibson not allowed to play etc and Djiksteel prob wont be seen until next season. The club are actively pushing ahead with targets... 2 lists around 8 or 9 players on each list dependant where were playing. Also Everton have asked us to keep them up to date if we sell Fry. The feeling behind the scenes is he will move on and money will be used to strengthen in the summer whilst helping balance the books. Howson will only sign once were safe. Other things going on but nothing set in stone. Once it changes in will share.

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